Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge finds himself embroiled in a legal dispute in the United States. The issue stems from an incident in 2019 when Sturridge's pet Pomeranian, Lucci, was stolen from his Los Angeles residence. In his quest to retrieve his beloved pet, Sturridge had offered a reward for Lucci's safe return.
Foster Washington, an American rapper known by his stage name Killa Fame, claimed to have found and returned Lucci to Sturridge. However, the promised reward was allegedly not delivered in full, prompting Washington to take legal action. In December 2021, a Los Angeles court ruled in favor of Washington, ordering Sturridge to pay him £24,400 ($30,000).
Despite the court's ruling, Sturridge reportedly failed to make the payment. Matters escalated when he was summoned to a "debtor's exam" in Los Angeles last month to discuss his financial situation. Sturridge's absence from the hearing led to the issuance of a bench warrant, which is essentially a court order for his arrest and subsequent appearance in court. The next hearing is slated for November 30.
In a recent interview, Washington expressed his frustration, stating, "For me, it's a point of principle. He promised me the money. It's a substantial amount of money that could change my family's life. He thinks he is above the law." Washington's attorney, Thomas Scully, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that they would continue to pursue the matter until justice is served.
Sturridge, on the other hand, had previously addressed the situation on social media in December 2021. He thanked a young boy who had found his dog and confirmed that he had rewarded him. Sturridge also mentioned other individuals attempting to profit from the situation for personal gain.
The 34-year-old footballer's career has been marked by significant achievements. He began his journey with Manchester City's youth academy and later made a mark with Liverpool, where he scored 68 goals in 160 games from 2013 to 2019. Sturridge was also instrumental in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League victory in the 2018-19 season. Prior to his stint with Liverpool, he played for Chelsea, contributing to their Premier League, Champions League, and two FA Cup victories. Sturridge's professional journey also includes playing for Turkish side Trabzonspor and Australian club Perth Glory.
While Sturridge's on-field achievements are commendable, this recent legal entanglement serves as a reminder that off-field actions can have significant repercussions. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the former footballer will navigate these challenges.
